Startup & Innovation Day: A Meeting Place for New Businesses and Investors at European Outdoor WeekWeek
Startup & Innovation Day is the event that will animate the calendar of the European Outdoor Week in Riva del Garda on Monday, May 18, 2026. It is a key event of the Innovation for Outdoors initiative that revolves around new ideas, connections, and a future-oriented vision. An intense afternoon that will bring together startups, investors, corporates, and enthusiasts in the sector to explore the trajectories of outdoor innovation in Europe. The event, organized in collaboration with European Outdoor Group, MagNet, and SKInnovation, aims to create a selected space where emerging realities can interact directly with decision-makers and ecosystem protagonists.
The program
The event will start with a shared lunch between startups and companies, and then continue with the true heart of the meeting. Ten selected startups will present their solutions on stage, five at a time, receiving real-time feedback from a panel of experts and investors. In addition to this, there will be a broader presence in the exhibition area, with up to 20 innovative entities involved during the day. Between one pitch block and another, there will also be a discussion with the panel “The Future of Outdoor Innovation”, where representatives from startups, companies, and investment world will discuss key topics for the sector such as sustainability, new materials, digitalization, and emerging business models. Networking opportunities will not be missed, designed to facilitate concrete connections. The day will end with an informal afterparty, a chance to celebrate and strengthen the outdoor innovation community. Open to all visitors of the European Outdoor Week, the Startup & Innovation Day aims to be a privileged platform to discover technologies, ideas, and collaborations that are redefining the future of the outdoor industry. 
The selection
One of the key elements of the format is the selection process structured in three phases. In the first phase, startups apply to participate and secure an exhibition space. Among these, 15 to 20 are selected based on outdoor relevance, degree of innovation, and maturity. From the pool of exhibitors, the 10 entities that access the stage for the pitches of the Innovation Day are then selected, divided into two sessions. The selection takes into account the innovative potential, the quality of the presentation, and the coherence with the present investor audience. The journey concludes with further recognition for the top three startups, who will be awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze during the European Outdoor Awards, scheduled for Saturday evening, also receiving a dedicated communication package. The entire event will take place within the exhibition area of the European Outdoor Week, with a dedicated stage, an exhibition area for startups, and spaces designed to facilitate networking, including a moment reserved for investors. Supporting the project is a model that involves the direct participation of corporate partners and sponsors in the outdoor sector, alongside the contribution of participating startups. In return, partners gain access to a qualified network, the content of startups, and opportunities for visibility and positioning within the innovation ecosystem.
Open applications for startups and investors
Startups interested can apply by April 20 at 23:59, with the possibility of extensions. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis: for this reason, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible without waiting for the final deadline.
For more information on the initiative:
https://www.europeanoutdoorweek.com/innovation-for-outdoor
To apply as a startup:
https://innovationforoutdoors.orbdays.com/
To participate as an investor:
